Dr. Joe DiRenzo III is a longtime contributor to Proceedings and a retired Coast Guard officer. He teaches at American Military University and Northcentral University.

Articles by Joe DiRenzo III

An Air Station Kodiak MH-60T Jayhawk flying near  Kodiak. In November, the Coast Guard accepted the first new-manufacture MH-60T hull from Sikorsky. The new hulls will extend the service life for the medium-range recovery helicopter fleet through the 2030s.

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo III and Commander Blair Sweigart, U.S. Coast Guard
March 2024
In 2023, the Coast Guard saw an uptick in national and international demand, carrying out missions from the Atlantic seafloor to the Indo-Pacific, from the Arctic to Maui.
Coast Guard

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo and David Boyd
March 2023
With new leadership came a new vision, a new strategy, and a sense of excitement. Admiral Fagan released Commandant’s Intent 2022, noting, “Tomorrow looks different. So will we."
crew members from the USCGC Maple (WLB-207)

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo and David Boyd
March 2022
In 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard continued the significant operational tempo it has seen over the past few years, both within the United States and overseas.
Coast Guardq

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo and David Boyd
May 2021
A record hurricane season, renewed focus on the Arctic and counternarcotics, vessel construction, even greater emphasis on professional development, COVID-19, and a continued focus on diversity efforts.
In 2019, the Coast Guard met a number of challenges and continued to respond where and when needed. As Commandant Admiral Karl Schultz noted, “We’re a modestly funded organization, and we do good things with those dollars.”

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo and David Boyd
May 2020
The Coast Guard faced a number of significant events in 2019—from a 35-day government shutdown to interdicting semisubmersibles to Hurricane Dorian.
U.S. Coast Guard (Monica Leftwich)

Caught Off Guard

By Vice Admiral William Lee, U.S. Coast Guard, Lieutenant Commander Leah Cole, U.S. Coast Guard, and Joe DiRenzo III
October 2014
The 2010 Haiti earthquake was, by definition, a “strategic surprise,” and in 2012, Hurricane Sandy was a “predictable failure.” These types of events provide an opportunity for leaders and their ...
NOAA

Braced for the Next Response

By Dr. Joe DiRenzo III and Vice Admiral James Hull, U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
August 2010
The Coast Guard's mission following the oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico was monumental. What if it happens again?
U.S. Navy (Cassandra Thompson)

U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo III and Chris Doane
May 2010
The past 12 months for the U.S. Coast Guard were marked by significant success and some tragedy. The year also demonstrated that the service has moved beyond merely fraying at ...
u.s. coast guard

The U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo III and Chris Doane
May 2009
During the past 12 months the Coast Guard experienced substantial operational demands across its full range of missions even as it put the final touches on a modernization plan to ...
u.s. coast guard (christopher d. McLaughlin)

The U.S. Coast Guard in Review

By Joe DiRenzo III and Chris Doane
May 2008
On 14 February 2008, standing before a packed audience at the National Press Club in Washington D.C., Coast Guard Commandant Admiral Thad Allen, entering his third year at the helm ...